If you are a black person in America, you don’t fear ISIS, you fear law enforcement. You are much more likely to be killed by someone who has sworn to protect you than a terrorist.

The United States is more in love with guns than human life. Although the murders of black men far outnumber those of whites by law enforcement, the first choice to use lethal force must cease in all situations when violent action occurs. The ‘shoot first’ attitude of men and women allowed to carry weapons of mass destruction must cease; they must consider all available options before firing their killing machines.

The Chicago Police Department has been under fire for taking unnecessary lives in the performance of their duties. Yesterday two more people were killed by the use of guns when officers were apparently called to a domestic violence situation. Lacking the ability to use any other method than lethal force, and facing a ‘combative’ suspect, police shot and killed 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier.

This was not the end of the tragedy. An innocent bystander, Bettie Jones, 55, was also killed with weapons discharged by the officers.

The ultimate question is “should all law enforcement be allowed to carry guns?” It appears that far too many are irresponsible, and have poor training as to their use and when they should be discharged.

Our nation has devolved into a ‘wild west town.’ Guns are the first answer to everything. Poor choices by law enforcement, the use of fear tactics by Republicans and one of their owners, the NRA, have destroyed a nation which was once compassionate and used intelligence instead of emotion in their daily lives.

Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and others are simply saying to themselves, ‘it’s only two more black lives.’ They are also commending the police for their ‘justifiable’ actions.

Hillary Clinton is right; our entire judicial and enforcement system must be completely scrutinized and changes made for the safety of the American people.

Black Lives do Matter. All lives have purpose.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Arvell Dorsey Jr.

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